The Best Things to Do in Whistler, British Columbia

Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver lies the behemoth that is Whistler Blackcomb. Once two separate, stellar resorts on their own, the two merged in 1997 to become one of the largest and most sought-after ski vacations on earth. But it isn’t just the world-class terrain that does it. At the base of the mountain, you’ll find fine dining, low-key watering holes, and much, much more. Here's how to make the most out of a trip to this alpine paradise.

Where to Stay

There are so many places to rest up in Whistler that you’ll nearly always be able to find something in your price range, even on popular weekends. The main thing to decide is if you want to stay in Whistler Village proper or in Creekside. Both areas are serviced by lifts and gondolas, offering direct mountain access. Creekside is a bit quieter and more subdued, but you may be able to find a better deal there. If that’s more your speed, take a look at Evolution, which is owned by the resort, as are Legends and First Tracks. All three offer comfortable condos with kitchens, with Evolution being just a tad glitzier. If you want full-on luxury in Creekside, the boutique

If it’s your first time visiting—or you just want to stay where the action is—go for Whistler Village. There, you’ll have easy access to all the restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs, and you won’t have to even have to think about dealing with your car until you’re leaving town. The Sundial, a beautiful boutique option that sits right in the heart of the village, is extremely close to the lifts and everything else you could need. On the luxury side, the

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, with its large rooms, gorgeous mountain views, and heated pool. The Fairmont and Four Seasons are both about a 15-minute walk from Whistler Village, but you'll find the amenities to be worth the minor inconvenience.

If you're looking for luxury when you're off the slopes, consider the Four Seasons.

Courtesy Four Seasons

The Mountain

We could write a novel-length love letter to these peaks, but let’s start with the size. Coming in at more than 8,100 skiable acres, it's handily the largest resort in all of North America (to put it in perspective, Squaw Valley is only 3,600 acres). Not only that, you can descend more than 5,200 feet in a single, leg-burning, top-to-bottom run—that's the second-longest vertical drop on the continent. Eighteen percent of the trails are green, 55 percent are blue, 22 percent are black, and five percent double-black: It isn’t just that there’s something for everybody, it's that there’s a ton of stuff for everybody.

It's practically impossible to get bored on these twin mountains, which are connected by the world’s largest, tallest gondola. Both contain steep, powder-filled chutes and bowls, perfectly spaced tree-runs, big wide-open groomers, terrain parks for every level, and just about everything else you could want. Many snowboarders gravitate toward Blackcomb because almost all of the terrain runs along the fall-line (i.e. the most direct line downhill), meaning you’re less likely to get stuck in a flat section and have to hike out. If trees and powder are your speed, the glades within Whistler’s Symphony area are heaven on earth.

Even during busy weeks, the resort is so big that you can find little stashes of untouched powder if you’re willing to go exploring—and exploring is arguably the best part of any trip here. For those who really want to get away from the crowds, though, Whistler offers heli-skiing, where you and a few friends can blast down long, untouched slopes of every ability level.

Araxi offers the best oysters around, but that's not all they've got on the menu.

Courtesy Araxi

Where to Après, Eat, and Drink

For après in Whistler Village, hit the Giribaldi Lift Company Bar and Grill. GLC, as it's known to locals, offers views of the mountain (along with blankets and heat lamps to keep you warm), strong drinks, and some very tasty eats. In Creekside, Dusty’s BBQ is usually packed when the lifts close, but for good reason: it has solid food, live music, and a well-timed happy hour.

If oysters are your thing, then Araxi is where you should head. In addition to its wide selection of bivalves, it has seasonal menus and an enviable wine list. For sushi, Sushi Village is a Whistler institution. It’s a classic shoes-off, horigotatsu-style restaurant with recessed floors, and it has some of creative rolls on offer (pro-tip: ask for whatever chefs Nestor or Nicole feel like whipping up). You also can’t go wrong at the Red Door Bistro or at Alta Bistro, the latter of which offers the best cocktails on the mountain.

Dance parties are plentiful in Whistler Village—if your legs aren’t completely dead after skiing all day, that is. The first two places to check are Tommy Africa’s and Buffalo Bills: Check ahead of time to see who’s spinning, but these two clubs generally pull in the best DJs and have a fun, festive vibe. For the morning after, hit Elements for breakfast—their stuffed French toast is something you shouldn’t leave Whistler without trying.

Something Special

If being in Canada conjures lumberjack daydreams of swinging steel and drinking beer while wearing a red plaid shirt, then you're in for a treat. Right next to each other, Forged Axe Throwing and Coast Mountain Brewing offer a beautifully symbiotic experience. Grab a couple of locally-made (and very tasty) beers, and then stroll next door and learn how to hurl some sharp objects at a target with pinpoint accuracy. What could possibly go wrong?